◐

The Shin Group of Companies is undeniably the most powerful corporation to exist in the country. Their malls, resorts, and offices are heavily enjoyed by the crowd — making the employee qualification as competitive.

Its CEO and Founder, who likes to call himself Shin, is even given medals by the President for being able to boost South Korea's economy by extending his business globally — reaching number one in the charts.

He had an obvious charm — anyone who interacted with him could vouch for that. That was the strength he used to build partnerships. Of course, he was the master of seduction.

Not knowing he hid a dark secret as well.

With the standard Shin set, it became a wonder for the people on who would continue his legacy. As everyone knows, he had only two children — that with Ryujin being hidden.

Leeknow and Yuna... The darlings of the crowd.

While Leeknow was the charmer to the ladies, Yuna had everyone under her power due to how cute and adorable she was. Hence, they both got that from their father.

So, the million dollar question is... Who among them would inherit the Shin Group of Companies?

◐

"Me!" Yuna raised her hand.

"Yes, Ms. Shin?" Her professor acknowledged her. "What is the mitochondria?"

"The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell," she gracefully answered.

It was an ordinary day for Medical Biology major, Shin Yuna. She studied in the best university in South Korea, and she was also consistent in garnering academic awards.

"Correct!" The professor smiled. And as if on cue, the bell rang. "Now, class, don't forget your assignments. We will also conduct your case study next week."

The class groaned.

"I'm not extending that case study anymore," she glared. "Well, if you don't like, I'll have you all make a full-blown thesis due next week."

"No!"

"That's what I thought," she chuckled. "Have a great weekend."

As soon as the professor left the room, two women made their way towards Yuna who was busy returning her books and pens inside her bag. She turned around to meet them.

"Gosh! I can't stand her!" Her friend, Yujin, complained. "I hate this subject!"

"Yuna looks like she doesn't," Dayeon chuckled before slinging an arm over her friend's neck.

Dayeon and Yujin had been Yuna's friends since High School. At first, they did not get along. However, they had a trope of enemies to friends. Now, they are lifelong sisters.

"I hate it too!" Yuna pouted — her friends and classmates always saw her as the one interested in their subjects. But of course, there were times she hated it too.

"But come on," Dayeon shrugged. "Even though we hate it, we still have to prepare for the case study. I just don't like when she asks what disease the cadaver had."

"I'm not eating that day," Yujin butted in. "I can't swallow food when I'm looking at a dead-ass person!"

"Oh, my gosh," Yuna fake vomited. "That makes me sick. I don't want to eat now too!"

"You're a bad influence to the baby," Dayeon glared at Yujin. "We're all eating and we will also vomit when we present! That way, prof can dismiss us."

"Now, look who is the bad influence," Yuna laughed along with Yujin.

"Boo!" Yujin held a thumbs down in front of Dayeon who rolled her eyes. "By the way, want to go to Doyoung's party today?"

"Wow," Dayeon looked at Yujin. "I thought he's one of the people you're stuck in talking stage with. What happened?"

"What?" Yuna asked. "The both of you clicked?"

"Yeah," Yujin giggled. "He asked me to be his girlfriend two days ago!"

"Ah!" Yuna hugged her best friend. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Next time, we can do a double date with Sungchan and I," Dayeon suggested.

"Well, we should have a triple date," Yujin said. "We should get Yuna a boyfriend!"

"Hey! I don't need one!" Yuna pouted. "I can handle myself!"

Yuna was not a "study first" type of person, however, she was not also one to date. Her friends would convince her to blind dates but not one of them ever worked out for her.

Interrupting her thoughts, her phone rang.

From: dead meat oppa
Yuna, I'm already here.

"Ah! Have to go!" She exclaimed. "Love you! See you on Monday!"

"Take care, babe!" "Love you too!"

As Yuna walked in the hallways, every person known and unknown who passed by her did not miss the chance to greet her. Of course, she was really popular. She had it all — great friends, wealthy lifestyle, and very smart.

Just no boyfriend.

"Oppa!" She smiled when she caught the sight of her brother leaning on his Mercedes-Benz. Leeknow opened his arms for her to embrace, enveloping his sister for a hug.

"How's school?" He asked before planting a kiss on her hair. Afterwards, he opened the door of his car for Yuna to enter.

"I hate Mrs. Oh's subject!" Yuna whined as she plopped a seat inside. "She wants us to present a case study next week! I hate that among everything!"

"Told you to should shift to law instead," Leeknow chuckled. He chose to study law and he would be graduating this year. "You don't need to inject people. Just send bad people to jail."

"No, thank you," she scoffed. "I have seen what you always read. I would rather drink ten shots of espresso."

"Want to try it out?" He asked. "I'm treating you to the cafe today."

"What a nice brother you are." And with that, Leeknow started driving.

Some of you may wonder if Yuna was aware of Ryujin's existence. Shin only told her that she had a sister who, unfortunately, went missing. On the other hand, Ryujin did not know about that — hence, her anger.

The two siblings chatted with each other during the ride to the cafe. Ever since Yuna became a high schooler, they would often hang out there because of its calm ambience.

"We're here," Leeknow said as the both of them made their way inside. "The usual?"

"Yeah!" Yuna answered before looking around. Her eyes furrowed at the sight.

Across them were tons of couples on their date — some were casually talking to each while some were being too lovey-dovey. Yuna could not help but to pout. She remembered her conversation with Dayeon and Yujin a while ago.

Must be nice to have a boyfriend too. She thought.

"Let's go?" Her thoughts were interrupted when her brother showed her coffee in front of her. She nodded before walking over to the vacant seat near the window.

Her eyes could not seem to stay straight since she would often glance at the couples close to them. Truth be told, Yuna actually had a boyfriend before but she would like to refer to him as her childhood sweetheart.

"Earth to Yuna?" Leeknow snapped his fingers in front of her. "You okay? You know them?"

"No," Yuna immediately shook her head. "What were you saying?"

Leeknow stared at her for a moment before nodding.

"Dad told me there is going to be a party tomorrow night," she groaned in frustration with what he said. "We are required to attend since his major shareholders are going to be there."

"We're going to deal with some old ass men again," Yuna blurted, making Leeknow glare at her.

"Language!" He scolded to which Yuna pouted.

"Okay! It's just..." She sighed. "It's kind of tiring to deal with his business. I mean... I study Medical Biology for a reason! I do not have any interest with the company."

"I know, Yuna," he held her hand. "I don't want to inherit it too, but, for now, let's just follow dad's orders. We'll figure it out soon."

Contrary to popular belief, neither of Shin's children desired to inherit the company. Yuna and Leeknow wanted to be a doctor and a lawyer, respectively. Ryujin? She hated everything related to her father.

"Well... Can I invite Dayeon and Yujin?" Yuna forced out a smile. It's been a while since her squad hung out because they were all busy with their studies. "I'm sure I won't get bored with them there."

Leeknow looked bothered for some reason.

"Let's invite them next time," he answered. "I'm sure dad would want you to take the spotlight tomorrow."

Yuna realized that Leeknow was right. Dayeon was a well-known singer in South Korea and with her presence, Yuna would not be able to shine the brightest — especially since Shin wanted to highlight his daughter.

"Aren't you mad at me?" She asked. Leeknow stopped drinking before looking at her, confused.

"Why would I be mad at you?" He asked. "Did you prank someone again? Or, let me guess! You stabbed someone again with a pen?"

"Hey!" Yuna fired back. "Am I really known to have that kind of reputation?"

"So much for being a princess," Leeknow shook his head. "By the way, why would I be mad at you?"

"Because..." She looked down. "Dad is obviously pushing me to the spotlight. I swear I don't want it! I talked to dad about this but he doesn't listen."

"Yuna..." He smiled. "I appreciate you caring for me but I seriously don't care about it. I don't want anything to do with dad's business."

"Why?" She tilted her head to the side. Leeknow was caught off-guard for a moment before regaining his composure.

"You'll understand it when you're older," that was his only answer. And that was the cue for Yuna to drop the topic.

After a while, silence engulfed them. Yuna could not seem to drop the topic of relationships in her mind. She had many admirers, yes, but none of which piqued her interest.

"There's something in your mind." Leeknow sipped the last gulp of his coffee. "What is it?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?" His eyes widened with his sister's sudden and strange question. "Got 'ya!"

"I don't have one!" He retorted like a baby but raised a brow afterwards. "What's up with your question? Do YOU have one?"

"No," Yuna pouted. "Dayeon and Yujin wanted us to have a triple date with our boyfriends but I don't have one!"

Yuna expected that Leeknow would turn into his strict mode but he only gestured her continue what she was saying. She smiled before going on with her story.

"It's not like I want one but..." she sighed. "I think it must have felt so great to have someone love you, kiss you, and all. I want to know again the feeling of being excited because of someone."

"I repeat I don't wa—" Leeknow cut her off.

"It's okay, baby, I get it." He chuckled. "Don't worry. I won't scold you for having a boyfriend — it's one of those things in your youth you should experience too."

Yuna smiled at her brother.

"I get that you want to experience those feelings," he continued. "It really feels great once you have one. I mean...  My ex-girlfriends really gave me those."

"Although, I should remind you that love and relationships are not always the butterflies and smiles." Yuna listened intently. "Love starts when those are gone and you are given the choice to stay or not."

"Will I get hurt?" She fidgeted with her fingers — a new definition of love was being processed in her brain.

"Of course," Leeknow nodded. "When you love, you depend. You depend your feelings and emotions. And when you depend, you get disappointed when things go haywire. It seems like you're lost and you don't know what to do."

Wow, since when did my brother became this mature? I only remember that he likes to play video games from morning to night. Yuna thought.

"When will I find mine?" Yuna asked as she leaned her head on her hand. She raised a brow when Leeknow chuckled.

"Don't look for him." He leaned back on his chair. "I'm sure he will find his way to you."

◐

"We are going to kidnap Shin Yuna," Jungkook announced.

Yeji and Soobin looked at each other — it was obvious that they were thinking of the same thing. To be honest, they find this whole situation and mission absurd.

"Why are we going to kidnap her? Can't Leeknow bring her to us instead?" Yeji crossed her arms.

"She's right," Soobin agreed. "Why would you want to kidnap your own sister?"

The group watched Jungkook place down tons of folders on the table. Some of them did not hesitate to open the files — what they read there shocked them.

"I knew it," Ryujin smirked when she peeked on the folder Kai was holding.

"So, that's where his wealth comes from," Chaeryeong concluded.

Jungkook and Leeknow ran a background check on Shin and found out that he was selling drugs underground. However, they did not have much evidence to bring this case in court.

"Can't we just ask Yuna to come here?" Lia asked. "I'm sure she will follow her brother."

"We have to stage a kidnapping scene so Shin will only think of saving Yuna," it was Leeknow who answered. "That way, he won't notice someone investigating his dirty work."

"And we're going to hold her for ransom?" Beomgyu was confused — why did they make such a complicated plan?

"Exactly," Jungkook nodded. "Shin is going to host a party tomorrow. That's our shot of getting her."

"Why can't we kidnap Shin instead?" Leeknow slightly cringed when he heard Ryujin not calling him her father. However, he completely understood why.

"Kidnapping Shin would mean causing an uproar across the country," he answered his sister. "Yuna is the best chance we have to get Shin's attention only."

"Great!" Jungkook clasped his hands. "Tomorrow, one of you is going to dance with Yuna. He will make sure that Yuna does not leave."

And then on, Jungkook explained the whole plan and their roles. The group listened attentively as they took into mind every detail — Of course, they would go up against a powerful man.

"Who wants to be the one who will cause chaos tomorrow?"

Beomgyu looked at Ryujin, expecting that she would take on the most important role. Through the years they lived together, he knows so well that she was one who liked the spotlight.

Which surprised him because she was dead silent today.

Stop thinking about her, dumbass. Beomgyu reprimanded himself.

"I'll do it," Chaeryeong volunteered after she glanced at Ryujin.

"Ryujin, what do you want to do?" Jungkook carefully asked — he was aware that this mission would be very sensitive for her. "You're the only one without a role now."

"Can't we kill Shin?" She was calm, but her eyes said otherwise. It would be correct to say that the group saw her in this state for the first time.

"We are not," Leeknow shook his head. He was losing his temper. "We need him to go to jail. If you can't do this, then I say you should stay here tomorrow."

"Let me stay here tomorrow and you're the one who's going to die," Ryujin taunted him. "Do not test me, Leeknow."

"Ryujin!" Jungkook scolded. "That's enough!"

And for the nth time, Ryujin walked out again.

After a few seconds, Jungkook and Leeknow left the place to discuss about important matters.

Yeji wanted to follow her best friend, Ryujin. She knew she needed someone at the moment. However, time was ticking. They only had less than 24 hours to prepare for their next mission.

"Okay!" Yeji broke the intense atmosphere. "I'm going shopping for clothes for tomorrow! Tae, Chaer! Want to come?"

"Damn, I don't know the sizes of the boys," Taehyun scratched his head. "The only thing I'm sure of is that we all fit in Kai's jacket."

"What? The five of you in one jacket?" Chaeryeong was confused, making Taehyun flick her forehead.

"I mean Kai's jacket fits us all!" He corrected himself. "Chaer, you seem dozed off. Have you been drinking?"

"No..." Chaeryeong pouted. "But I do miss going to the bar!"

Yeji was about to butt in but Chaeryeong shook her back and forth. It did not help that the pouting Chaeryeong was enough to melt her heart — okay, the baby should be prioritized.

"Let's go to the bar next week, unnie!" She whined. "I'm dehydrated of beer!"

"You sure do have a baby to take care of, noona," Taehyun chuckled. "Should we shop in the children's section later?"

Taehyun immediately pursed his lips when Chaeryeong glared at him.

"Now, can I spea—" Yeji was cut off.

"Can I come with you?" The trio turned to look at Yeonjun who was just standing behind them.

However, the older was only looking at Yeji who was on her phone, obvious that she was ignoring him. Of course, what did Yeonjun expect?

"What do YOU know about our sizes?" Taehyun asked. "You even borrow my brief!"

"Oh, my god," Chaeryeong covered her mouth in shock. "The five of you really are unhygienic."

"I can see why all of you do not have girlfriends," she added, making Taehyun gasp in disbelief.

"The disrespect!" He spat.

What made them shut up was the way Yeji let out a short chuckle. She stopped when she noticed them looking at her.

"I know your sizes, okay?" Yeonjun cleared himself. "I wear your clothes without you knowing."

"Since when did shopping become a chance for you to share your secrets?" Chaeryeong scoffed before shaking her head.

"That's enough," Yeji was impatient already. "It's getting late. We have to go."

"Can I come?" Yeonjun asked as he followed Yeji who was on her way to the car. She even looked badass while playing with the car keys.

"Let's go! Tae! Chaer!" Yeji called — completely ignoring Yeonjun.

Yeonjun watched as Yeji leave the room. Taehyun and Chaeryeong, who saw the whole scene, patted the older in the back. After a few seconds, the trio were out of sight.

The fox-like boy could not help but sigh. It's been what... Four of five years since they broke up? However, until now, Yeji could not find the heart to forgive.

Yeonjun and Yeji knew each other for almost 15 years now — but how could a single accident make them act like strangers for four years now?

◐

"Where to first?" Chaeryeong had her hands on her waist as she looked around.

"I guess the guys could use a good tux?" Taehyun wandered his eyes on the big shopping center they went. "But, what is the theme tomorrow? So we can know how to match!"

"We're not going to prom, Tae," Yeji chuckled while rolling her eyes playfully. "Just give Kai the best one. He needs to shine best."

"How about Lia unnie and Beomgyu?" Chaeryeong asked. "They will act as the waiters for tomorrow. What if they don't match with the real waiters?"

"Don't worry," their leader answered. "Soobin had it taken care of. You know... One of his exes still loves him and would do anything for him."

"Wow," Taehyun was surprised. "How did she get under Soobin hyung's spell? That man never liked commitments at all. It will be a miracle if he dated."

"Just let him date," Yeji interfered. "As long as it's not someone within our group."

Knowing full well where this conversation will go to, the two best friends decided to drop the topic. Chaeryeong, being one of the fashionistas in the group, offered to bring them to a boutique perfect for formal events.

"Omg!" Chaeryeong squealed as she saw the gowns and dresses hung on the wall. Taehyun and Yeji chuckled as they watched the girl ran towards the clothes. "I should have bought extra money!"

"Don't worry, Chaer," Yeji cooed. "If we get enough change with our allowance, you can use it to buy those."

"I love you!" The latter did not hesitate to kiss the cat-eyed girl's cheeks, taking her by surprise. "You're the best!"

On the other hand, Taehyun went straight to the reason why they were there — he had his eyes stuck on the plethora of suits and tuxedos before him. He had to think of what color would fit the boys' personalities.

"This will look great on Yeonjun hyung," he muttered as he held a black suit with a polo of the same color inside. It would surely compliment his body figure well.

Yeji gulped as she stared at the suit — however, she had to maintain her cold demeanor. The problem was... She could not help but fantasize about what her ex-boyfriend would look like wearing that.

Yeji, stop it. Don't care about him. She thought.

The female leader could not deny that her heart was beating, even Taehyun and Chaeryeong noticed her going brittle again. Yeji held a forced thumbs up sign before looking away before she does anything she would regret.

And, of course, everything had to go worse for the girl.

"They sell wedding gowns here?" Chaeryeong held a white long gown perfect for weddings. That could be the last straw for Yeji. It was a good thing she kept her composure.

However, even Yeji could vouch that her heart was beating a thousand times faster than before. The reason? It was because she thought Yeonjun would be her husband. Remembering that, anger started to fuel her again.

Yeji and Yeonjun loved each other so much — that was a fact. Unfortunately, Yeji's love for the latter was masked with hatred. Her anger for him could transcend heaven and hell. She did not want anything to do with him.

If anything, Yeonjun was indifferent to her now.

"Buy what you think will look great on them," Yeji ordered as she looked for a dress of her own. "Just stay on budget!"

Chaeryeong's eyes widened when she saw a black strapless dress with its top shaped like a ribbon. The cheerful girl twinkled in happiness — she knew she had to buy it. No one could stop her.

But the price tag did.

"Aww, damn," she groaned, catching Taehyun's attention. Seeing her best friend through her peripheral vision, she complained, "It's so expensive! I think I look good in this, though!"

"Yikes!" He cringed when he looked at the price tag. "Say what? Fit that today and take a picture. Let's come back for that next time."

"You're right!" Chaeryeong exclaimed. "You're so smart, Kang Taehyun. What will I do without you?"

"That's right!" Taehyun proudly said. "Who will be your best friend if not me?"

"Ryujin?" She taunted him, making Taehyun smirk wider. "We get along so well that you should be threatened, dumbass."

Speaking of Ryujin, Chaeryeong slowly walked towards another aisle when she saw the perfect dress that would fit her. It was a mini dress with lace straps — will perfectly hug her body. Taehyun trailed behind her.

"Nah," he shook his head. "She's Yeji noona's best friend. You're mine."

"I'm yours," Chaeryeong's eyes widened before returning the smirk. "Damn, Kang Taehyun. I didn't know you're interested in me that way."

"What the?" Taehyun furrowed his brows. "We're together since we're in diapers and I haven't had a crush on you! Not now and not ever, Lee!"

"So defensive!" Chaeryeong burst into laughter. "I'll fit this now. Scram! Get the clothes of the boys!"

As Taehyun watched Chaeryeong leave, he took a mental note to buy that dress for her next time. However, he was curious as to how his heart was beating loudly ever since Chaeryeong told him he was interested in her.

We're only best friends... Right? Taehyun thought.

On the other hand, Yeji's mind was filled again with thoughts of Yeonjun. She knew in herself that she had to focus on the mission but going to this boutique was a big mistake!

"Ah!" She groaned in frustration as she messed her hair. "Damn, what would suit Soobin and Kai?"

She had to make Kai the star of the show — one where everyone would turn to look at him but his eyes would only remain at Yuna. That was the perfect scene to pull the mission off. Of course, Yeji watched many Korean dramas so she was aware of such.

Soobin was assigned to be the backup plan if in case Yuna did not click with Kai. Lia had to admit to herself she was jealous but it was not as if she was not used to it. She could go on forever hiding her feelings.

"Kai shines best with simpler clothes," a familiar voice startled Yeji before showing her a black tuxedo with a white polo inside.

Yeji's eyes widened to see Yeonjun in front of her. Since she was just thinking about him, her heart was now going somersaults at the sight of him now. However, she could not deny that he was a life saver.

But, of course, her anger took the best of her again.

"What are you doing here?" She tried to save face. "I didn't invite you."

"Look, Yej," Yeonjun sighed. "I'm not here to cause a fight. Appa just told me to help you with Kai's outfit since he needs to shine best tomorrow."

"Go away," Yeji snatched the clothes from the latter's hand. "I don't need your help."

The female leader slightly gulped before walking away — making her path to Taehyun and Chaeryeong who were debating about the outfits they would let the group wear. Yeonjun only watched her, helpless and hopeless.

"When will you ever need me again?" Yeonjun whispered to himself.